NEWS HEADLINES

A Wise County Sheriff’s deputy has been arrested for aggravated assault related to a domestic violence incident.

Deputy Taylor Alan Whittle of Decatur was arrested Tuesday and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon – a second degree felony – and assault family violence impeding breathing or circulation – a third degree felony.

Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin said he was made aware on Monday of a domestic violence incident involving the 27-year-old Whittle that occurred the previous evening. It was later determined that two incidents took place – one on Sunday in Alvord and another on Monday in Decatur.

Akin said the investigation was turned over to Texas Ranger Jeremy Wallace. The Decatur Police Department also investigated the case since one alleged incident took place in the city.

According to the arrest warrant affidavit obtained by the Wise County Messenger, Whittle’s wife told Wallace that on Sunday, Whittle grabbed her on each side of her body above her waist line and forced her against the wall in their home in Alvord. He then choked her “to the point where it caused pain and caused her to be unable to breathe,” the affidavit states.

His wife later went to stay at his parents’ house in Decatur, where the second incident took place on Monday, according to the court record.

In that incident, Whittle is accused of using a gun to threaten his wife after finding out she spoke to Whittle’s supervisors at the sheriff’s office.

“Taylor and (the victim) had an argument and while (the victim) was attempting to leave the residence, Taylor removed a handgun from his vehicle and put the handgun under his chin, threatening to harm himself. Taylor’s mother slapped his face, telling him to stop. Taylor then pointed the handgun at (the victim), placing (her) in fear for her life,” the affidavit states.

Akin said Whittle, who had worked at the sheriff’s office for nearly three years and was currently the school resource officer for Alvord ISD, has been fired.

“The Wise County Sheriff’s Office holds its employees to a high standard, and we cannot allow violations of the law or of our policies,” Akin stated in a news release. “Whittle’s employment with the Wise County Sheriff’s Office was terminated.”

The sheriff added that he is “proud of the many fine women and men who continue to wear the WCSO uniform and represent what a professional sheriff’s office should be.”

Whittle was released from the Wise County Jail Wednesday morning after posting bail of $80,000.

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